A press card is a form of identification showing that a recognised organisation has vouched for you as a professional journalist.

It doesn't give its holder any special powers. Police may, at their discretion, allow cardholders access beyond what the public gets, but access to major or Royal events almost always requires additional passes.

The UK Press Card

The UK has a single press identity card, issued under a scheme run by the UK Press Card Authority (UKPCA). The scheme was launched in 1992 with the help of the Metropolitan Police to create a single, recognisable press card. It is formally recognised by all UK police forces and the Ministry of Justice, and by extension any other public bodies, plus the National Police Chiefs' Council.

Under the UKPCA guidelines, an eligible journalist is a professional UK media worker whose primary role involves gathering or processing news for public media and who requires official identification to perform their duties safely and effectively in public.

The UKPCA doesn't issue cards itself. They are currently issued by a range of organisations called gatekeepers, including trade unions and journalistic organisations as well as news broadcasters and news agencies themselves. Press cards essentially vouch for people who are employed by, members of, or associated with legitimate organisations.

Every card is identical except for the gatekeeper's logo in the top right-hand corner. The differences between gatekeepers are in who they serve, what you must prove and what you pay.

Each card carries a serial number and cardholders have a private PIN. Police or event organisers can check a card's authenticity by phoning the verification line printed on the back, which confirms the details against a database. Cards must be renewed at least every two years.

Choosing a gatekeeper

National Union of Journalists (NUJ)

  • Who it is for: Members engaged in newsgathering, including freelancers and photographers.
  • Membership needed: Yes.
  • Cost: Included in an income-based membership with a wider set of benefits, ranging from £18.85 to £32 per year – special rates for lower-paid members and new members under 25.